Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-01-28
IRRIGATION INQUIRY.

The convection Is becoming general
among legislators that while everything
that can possibly be completed now, should
be done to advance the irrigation problem
to solution, and to give the State control
of all waters clearly proper to be used in
an irrigation system, that still haste will
be least progressive. That the need is to lay
the foundations for permanent and equi-
table system, by thorough exhaustion of
inquiry. The State Engineering Depart
ment has contributed very largely to the
dissemination of knowledge essential to
wise action, and should not be hindered in
the completion of its important work. In
the meantime, the Legislature can set on
foot such other inquiry as will develop all
the physical facts, and orderly arrange all
the premises that will lead us to a final
and right conclusion. No comprehensive
scheme of irrigation can be set up upon
the rather vague ideas and conflicting
views now entertained by the people
There is wise advice in the suggestion of
the State Engineer that the question
Is not in this State mere quarrel between
two influential contending cliques of enterpris-
ing men-as, unfortunately, it has been made to
appear-but it is the same here as elsewhere in
similar climates question of public moment,
of the first importance, and which will not re-
In ain in quiet until deliberately and fully dealt
with. In other countries, in order to secure
such treatment, the subject has been relegated
TO special commissi ms. 1t would appear, from
experience thus far. that, sooner or later this
action will be taken here, and it becomes ny
duty to say that the sooner it is done the better
for the people and the State. Matters i'll this
connection are becoming complicated and more
difficult to deal with every year.
No matter what debate may now be had,
what schemes for the accomplishment of
desired results now advanced, the propo-
sition to promote further official inquiry is
wise. Had such investigation been set on
foot four years ago, in connection with the
Engineering Department, we would at
this time have been well advanced towards
definite conclusion. The mass of in
formation already gathered, and which it
is wholly impracticable to even attempt to
publish, should be taken in hand by an
intelligent body and reduced to basis for
comprehensive system. As matters now
stand this is practically impossible of
achievement. The data is very largely
completed most of the physical facts have
been the subjects of engineering research;
what is now needed is such handling and
systematizing of this data, and such addi-
tions to it, as will lay the lines for the
superstructure of the system to be erected,
and which is to last for all time As the
State Engineer in his progress report says:
1t is singular and significant fact that at this
very time in the newer advancing irrigation
countries of the world, the very questions are in
course of treatment by special code commits
sons, and under discussion by legislative bodies,
that are SO prominently before the public of Cal
iiornia. Can this State afford 10 be any less
thorough i'll its treatment of them than are the
British American colonies than France or than
| Italy and Spain have been? For years in the
| past and for session after session, the time of
members OF Legislature has been largely taken
| up in endeagoring to perform (under the unfa-
yorable circumstances of limitation rs TO time,
absence of practical familiarity with the field.
and inability TO travel over the country and OBJ
serye and hear all phases of questions), those
| duties which should be performed by commits
sion of inquiry. and nothing has been effected.
| of a permanent character, looking to the estab-
lshment of irrigation on firm legal basis or to
| the conservation of the streams of the State.
For the want of proper legal guidance and
public administration, private individuals, asso-
Citations and corporations inspired by genuine
and praiSewOTthy enterprise, are constantly in
yesting their money labor and talents in taking
ont waters and developing the frriitfulness OF
lands by irrigation, in manner and in cases
which lead first to litigation and strife. Intent
onsccking some relief or advantage. these strug-
| giles have been brought before Legislative men,
bers and committees for the hearing of long
statements and arguments from those directly
interested on opposing sides. Is it not time that
4 this useless contention should stop? should not
| the Legislature asserting due dignity, relegate
/ the whole matter to Il commission. with time
aud means 10 fully consider it. and to present il
| at a following sess sion in manner free from the
bias and bitterness of personal interest or al
| legged private motiyess